Thursday’s Flooding May Lead More to Sign Up For Everett Fire CERT Course

With more than 30 homes affected and 1st responders buried in 9-1-1 calls, Thursday’s downpour is a good reminder that in an emergency we may have to depend on neighbors more than city authorities. If you’re not prepared to help your own family and neighborhood you may want to consider taking an upcoming CERT class being offered by the Everett Fire Department.

The Everett Fire Department is offering a fall Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25 through Nov. 13.

The eight-week course will provide a variety of disaster planning, recovery and survival skills aimed at surviving and assisting our community in disaster response and recovery. Everett citizens, as well as business owners, are encouraged to participate or send employees to these free emergency preparedness classes. To date, more than 540 people have participated in the Everett Fire Department CERT Program.

There is a requirement to attend all sessions, establish a three (3) day home emergency kit, obtain personal safety equipment, and be a willing team participant.  Cost for personal safety equipment is approximately $30 and it’s advised to purchase equipment on your own to ensure proper fitting.  The basic equipment information and where to purchase will be explained at the first class.

Applications are available through the Everett Office of Emergency Management. Class size is limited.  The deadline for applications is Sept. 16, 2013. For more information, contact the Everett Office of Emergency Management at (425) 257-7965 or email everetteoc@ci.everett.wa.us.

For more information on the Everett Office of Emergency Management, visit www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=402.